This Spotlight series recognizes a UW-Fond du Lac student’s academic achievements and personal story. Students are nominated for this spotlight by faculty and staff.
Name: Samantha Freund 
Age: 19
Hometown: Fond du Lac
Career program/major: Undecided
High School Attended: Winnebago Lutheran Academy
UW-Fond du Lac student clubs/organizations: President of the art club, public relations director for student activities, member of volleyball, basketball and tennis teams
What led you to choose your program or major?
I am still undecided on my major. I have many different talents and I don’t know which area of interest to pursue.
Why did you decide to become a University of Wisconsin student at UW-Fond du Lac?
I am undecided on my major and UW-Fond du Lac is a very affordable way to get my general education courses done. I am also able to save money by staying at home and was able to continue participating in sports. My brother also attended here, so I would hear stories from him about what life is like and I decided that it would be a great fit for me.
Is there someone at UW-Fond du Lac who made a difference in your life or inspired you?
Jill Bangart has been a big help at UW-Fond du Lac. She really cares about all the students that go to UW-Fond du Lac and will try to answer any question that I have about school and transferring, even if I make things a little difficult. Because I am a big sports person, Lee Watson, who is the health and exercise professor, has been a great influence on me. I took almost all of his classes. It’s interesting to learn why we do certain workouts when we play sports or exercising and how the way we take care of our bodies can influence how healthy we can be.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming UW-Fond du Lac student?
My advice would be to take advantage of all the different opportunities that you can participate in on campus. You will meet different people and find out different things about yourself that you might not know. Also, if you have any questions about your homework, don’t be afraid to talk to your professor and get help. They are more than willing to help you out and are happy to get to know you better.
Describe something unexpected that happened here at UW-Fond du Lac.
I was able to participate in volleyball and tennis here, which I didn’t play in high school. The unexpected part is that we ended up winning the volleyball tournament in 2017 and I ended up winning the #2 singles for tennis. I went to the Florida Keys for my lab science class where I spent a week snorkeling in the ocean, visiting a turtle hospital, and learning about all the different kinds of sea creatures and how important they all are to our ecosystem.
When not in class or studying, what keeps you busy?
When I’m not in class, I am usually playing a sport. Between playing on the sports teams here and the different recreation leagues in town, I have my hands full. Besides sports, I usually am doing something to keep me entertained like trying to learn a new instrument, doing some crafts, or just watching movies.
What are your plans after UW-Fond du Lac?
I will either pick a major or I may take a gap year to save money and decide what my plans will be for the next year.
To learn more about the associate degree and options for beginning one of more than 200 majors at UW-Fond du Lac, call (920) 929-1122 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Contact
Laurie Krasin
920-929-1108
laurie.krasin@uwc.edu